Exceptional Grooming for Exceptional Men

So what should I say about BBraxton?….it's second to none. BBraxton is for the man that wants to be treated like royalty. Well…it's a must see for yourself. Take my word for it. You won't be disappointed. Unfortunately, I didn't have the pleasure of meeting the dynamic duo, Brenda and Anthony, but I must say, they are doing something right. They are cloning their brand of professionalism in each member of the team.

I was treated very well in their absence.Let's take Ms. Isabel, who put me at ease with her warm humor. She entertained my needs with a glass of what tasted like freshly squeezed orange juice and a magazine for my reading enjoyment while I waited. Not to mention she took my coat….that's a first for me at any traditional barber shop…oh, but this is not your traditional barber shop.

After a few minutes of waiting, it was time for my manicure. Wanda took her time and she made feel as if I was the only person in the room. I felt like a King! Next service was a razor edge. Each Barber/Stylist appears to have mastered the art of shaving with the razor. This is really rare. I've visited a lot of barber shops over the years doing research on barber's ability to use a razor, and very few use or even know how to work the razor. Can we say back to the fundamentals? You didn't hear tell of razor bumps years ago...I wonder why??? I'll tell you….years ago you received a shape-up with the razor only!

But look, there's no need for me to try and talk BBraxton up, that's already done…Black Enterprise said it best, with an issue called "The Best of Everything" and BBraxton made the list. See link . So I'm calling all men from Harlem, Bronx, Brooklyn, East Coast, West Coast….everywhere, come and treat yourself. I drove from North Carolina just to get my royal treatment. That's 546 miles…9hrs and it was worth it! Next time I hope to meet the duo!....I will definitely be back....What an experience!!!!

A star is born

My next stop is Virginia Beach to sit and talk with Leo Hilliard…"Mickey" is what they call him. Mickey is the owner of Millenium Quality Styles for Women and Men. When I walked in Mickey was hard at it, making magic as things seem to just fall in place. On the drive up I figured I would just meet just another barber, boy was I wrong. Mickey has a great setup. He even had a Mickey's "Hall of Fame". The wall was covered with local newsclippings featuring his awesome, one of a kind work. A great speciality service available is eyebrow arching. Mickey is a haircare professional who has taken his business to the next level by smart advertisement. I was really impressed with his business literature by way of business cards and stylish flyers. In addition, his clients are walking billboards showcasing his work and advertising by word of mouth. Mickey has been featured in numerous mainstream hair magazines.

ABC Stylez Magazine – Bronner Brothers Barber Battle (8/2006)

Xtreme Hair styles Magazine

Fantasy Magazine

All this and somehow he remains humble, grounded in his work. When asked the question, "What is one thing that separates your business from the others?" Mickey: I focus on quality and not quantity. Every style is a master piece, his artwork! Leo "Mickey" Hilliard

By Faith

I just had the opportunity to sit with Carlos Russell of Faith Cuts Barber Shop & Beauty Salon, Greensboro, North Carolina. When I walked in the door, the unique surrounding was very inviting for all ages. In talking with Carlos, I asked the following question: What is one of the bigger challenges as barber/owner of Faith Cuts? Carlos: It’s finding the right talent and keeping it. Carlos has been a barber for over 10 years, but it's not just Carlos that's making Faith Cut's successful. He has teamed up with Sheila Jenkins who needs no introduction. Sheila specializes in shorts cuts and healthy and natural hair. She has been featured in a number of magazines, I have tried to list some of them below.

• Black HairStyles & Trends (May/June 2003)
• Black Hair and Braids (June/July 2003)
• Total Black Hair & Beauty (Aug 2003)
• Sophisticates Black Hair Style and Care Guide (Feb 2004)

They started Faith Cuts almost two years ago. Carlos expressed he wanted to do something a little different and just take his business to another level. Carlos stated that having women and men barbers helps to remove the uneasiness single moms feel when bringing their sons in for a fresh cut. This falls in line with a survey conducted by Perfections in the Triad (Greensboro, NC), that outlined the concerns of women and barber shops, they just don't feel comfortable. If you are in Greensboro and need a fresh cut, look up Faith Cuts Barber Shop & Beauty Salon Randleman Rd. Greensboro.

A test of Faith

Hello All,

Sorry for the delay. The passing of my father, who is the legacy of the business, has been a challenge. I’m a firm believer that challenges come just to make us stronger. My father was from the old school of knowledge, that of straight talk……if you are good at something, stay at it, work it and make it yours. He would express, "it’s good to work outside of your comfort zone, that’s the way we grow!" As Barbers/Stylists, we all have a dream for our business. Start it and let God be your guide as the sky is the limit. My father has gone on to be with the Lord now and he will be my inspiration as I start my journey. My advice to you is find your inspiration. Plan the work and work the plan! God bless!

My preparation on a journey to seek understanding

Well, I’m sure most are asking why embark on such journey????
The goal of this journey is to better understand the needs of barbers/stylist. Also, identify the key building blocks that underpin a successful business within ethnic hair industry. It will also be a great opportunity to share information and build relationships. Networking and understanding change within the hair industry has been a challenge over the years, my mission is to seek a philosophy that address that challenge.

Up and running

Hello All,

Today was the first day getting my blog up and running. It was a good day. I will soon head up north and visit a few barber shops along the way.